Last week I
wrote about what the Pirates will be returning on offense in
2006. The offense should be the best it’s been since 2000.
In 2000, the Pirates went 8-4 behind David Garrard and his ability to
run and throw from the quarterback position. The running back
tandem of Jamie Wilson and Leonard Henry, and the receiving core of
Marcellus Harris, Richard Alston, Derrick Collier, and Keith Stokes put
up great numbers all year long. It’s great to look back, but it
has been a long time since the Pirates went 8-4 and none of the players
mentioned before will be suiting up next year. Let take a look at
next returnees on defense.

Defensive Line- At the defensive end position, the Pirates will lose
the ever energetic Lorenza Pickett, but return sack man Shaunte Hunt,
his back up Michael Macdonagh, Big play man Marcus Hands and reserve
Mark Robinson. Both Macdonagh and Robinson came on strong toward
the end of the season, and Hands was one-man wrecking crew before
hurting his shoulder. The Defensive tackle and nose guard
positions will return everyone that played a significant role on this
year’s defense. Including Brandon Setzer, who proved to be a
force in the middle, along with Dontre Brown and Fred
Hicks. There are some young guys that didn’t play much in
2005 but may see some time next year as well.

Linebacker – Filling the openings at linebacker will be very tough,
next to the offensive line; linebacker will be the position leaving the
biggest void. Star middle linebacker Chris Moore will leave ECU
as one of the best linebacker’s in school history. Also leaving
are starters Richard Koonce, Josh Chilsolm and reserve standout DeShaun
Stevens. Pierre Bell showed us his potential in the UAB game and
he returns with a host of young teammates that have great
potential. Durwin Lamb, Jared Wiggins to name a few, but
linebacker is one position that could definitely use the help of some
junior college transfers.

Defensive Back- East Carolina will lose free safeties Zach Baker, and
Mickey McCoy and corner Demetrius Hodges, but the cupboard will not be
bare. The Pirates will return corners Kasey Ross, Erode Jean, and
Travis Williams. Kasey had a great season as the Pirates shut
down corner leading the team in pass breakups. Erode and Travis
both got extended minutes throughout the year and could start if called
upon. Safeties Kyle Chase and Pierre Parker will also return
along with 2004 starter Jamar Flournoy. The defensive back
position will be one of the strongest position groups on next year’s
team.